Pioneer in the eHealth industry calls for calm in healthcare debate

In the midst of a tempestuous healthcare debate, one private citizen is proving you don't have to shout to be heard. A pioneer in the eHealth industry, Steve Parker, Jr., speaks with the calm voice of reason. His online call for a careful, strategic approach to reform is attracting the attention of business leaders inside and outside the healthcare industry, as well as everyday Americans currently struggling to pay their medical bills.

As an award-winning entrepreneur in the online healthcare industry and a lifelong advocate for affordable healthcare choices, Parker believes reform is a necessity. He speaks frankly about the shortcomings of the current system and offers strong criticism to presidential administrations past and present, as well as both major political parties. He also urges an end to the frantic rush in Washington to pass healthcare legislation that is neither understood nor understandable to the general public.

"Right now, there is no clearly defined plan to reform our nation's healthcare system. Instead, Congress has hastily combined an assortment of unconnected ideas and proposals into a massive reform bill," said Parker. "Sadly, this hurried approach is taking us in the wrong direction. It only complicates our muddled healthcare system further by introducing a number of unnecessary bureaucracies, unnecessary regulations, and unnecessary spending."

Parker's open message to Congress, the White House, and the American people can be found online at www.steveparkerjr.com.

And Parker is contributing more than just his voice to the ongoing debate. He is also opening his own wallet to ease the financial burden for ten American families currently suffering under the weight of their mounting medical bills. Each family will receive $500 to help cover their healthcare costs. Eligible patients and their loved ones can apply online at the same website.

Steve M. Parker, Jr., is co-founder of New York City-based digital media agency Levelwing Media and founder of a consumer-driven eHealth company serving the educational needs of more than 265,000 diabetic clients. He also founded BreastCancerAwareness.com, one of the leading breast cancer information sites on the Internet, and serves on the board of directors for The Minnie Pearl Cancer Foundation. In 2007, Parker was named one of the "Top 100 Most Inspiring People in Life Sciences" by PharmaVOICE Magazine.